Inter defender Santon joins Newcastle

Newcastle United's search for Jose Enrique's replacement is over following the signing of Italy international Davide Santon from Inter Milan.

Santon, 20, has penned a five-year-deal at St James' Park - where he will wear the No. 3 jersey - after joining for an undisclosed fee.

Magpies boss Alan Pardew has been on the hunt for a new left-back since Enrique made the switch to Liverpool earlier this month and, after a frustrating pursuit of PSV's Erik Pieters, settled for Santon.

He made 40 appearances for Inter, winning the Serie A title twice and the Champions League in 2010, before enjoying a loan spell at AC Cesena in the second half of last season.

Pardew said: "We are delighted to bring Davide to Newcastle. He is a quality left-back and an established international who also gives us flexibility in defence. David is a young lad and a great signing for us and I am sure he will adapt to the Premier League very quickly."

Santon added: "I am really pleased to sign for Newcastle. The chance to play in the Premier League and in front of 50,000 fans at St James' Park was too good to turn down. This is an ambitious club who want to move forward and I want to help them achieve that."

The Magpies have also completed the signing of goalkeeper Rob Elliot from Charlton Athletic, with the Addicks confirming on their official website that the 25-year-old has moved to St James' Park for an undisclosed fee.

Meanwhile, Newcastle look likely to miss out on long-term target Modibo Maiga from Sochaux after the French side failed to sign Ivory Coast international Max Gradel, who they had been lining up as a replacement for Maiga.